Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji to the children participating in Vidyarthi Gnana Bodha Sabha – May 19, 2004 – Nada Mantapa Mysore
Mother tongue language is very important. Otherie wise we will lose some precious treasure. Learning languages is the trait of a good person. When I was a small boy, I shied to speak English. God made me love and speak English now. I am forced to speak in my own English style for hours when I am in foreign countries. How long can you listen to an ununderstandable gibberish? Learning language causes progress to nation. Learning a new language makes you understand and respect new cultures. You should not get irritated when you hear new languages. When you listen t o it for 15 mins, you start to like it. In these modern times, words and terms of one language have seeped in to other languages also. Like the words Jungle, Khaki etc.,
People from many regions come to this Ashrama. They all speak different languages. Ask them if you want. They will confirm that they can understand the message of Sri Swamiji’s speech even if Swamiji is speaking a different language than theirs. It is because of love for Swamiji and the simple words Sri Swamiji uses. Love works here. If you don’t like Swamiji, you will deliberately not understand what Swamiji is telling. So, it is important to have respect and love for Swamiji so that you can understand Swamiji.
Swamiji’s aunt was a Telugu speaker. Swamiji’s mother was Kannada speaker. So, I exhort all of you to learn Kannada language. There is even Postal Kannada speaking course offered by some institute. Since you all love Jayalakshmi Mata, learn Kannada language. (Swamiji makes the children raise their hands and promise to learn the Kannada language). I urge the teachers of this three-day camp to include teaching of Kannada words in these three-day sessions. Kannada is a very easy and beautiful language. It is a musical language. It is pleasing to the ears. Kannada is sweet and beautiful.
Also you can understand more of Sri Swamiji’s teachings because he speaks mostly in Kannada. I also announce that we will hold a small Kannada test to you all. Those who succeed in the Kannada test will make me happy. Your friends too will be wonderstruck that you are learning a new language. I will be so happy if you converse with me in Kannada.
I am seeing all of you. I see that many of you are a little lazy. Also many of you are very worried about studies and career. Don’t worry too much. If you are a good and studious person, you will naturally win. Many of Swamiji’s devotee children are looked after by Sri Swamiji. I don’t give medicines or treatment. But once you are with me, I will help you. You all are the future devotees of this Peetham. Your constant touch with Swamiji through these Vidyarthi Gnana Bodha Sabhas will help you in later days.
Many children who came to Swamiji 20 years ago are now settled and they are organizers in many places. I feel so happy for them. It is the association with Swamiji in those early years that helped them.
Be good children.
Respect your Parents.
Respect Elders in the family.
Study well.
Learn Kannada.
Have discipline in Life.
Don’t give up your love to God.
Jaya Guru Datta